200 favorite Rock Sliders

[DPA200]

L


Nicely done!

The only thing more expensive than “high end” is upgrading to high-Er end AFTER an intermediate purchase you regret. I’m a big fan of buying well to buy *once.

Carefully & thoughtfully going big to avoid future upgrade-itis is usually a winning move.

Congrats!

I couldn't agree with you more. I can't count the number of time I have made that mistake and has ended up being 3-4 upgrades for what i coulda just bought once. Computers, cameras, bikes and sliders...same concept applies to all. I'm sure BP-51 suspension would have also embraced this concept too but for me it was just too far$$$ outta range right now. We'll see in a few years if i end upp "upgrading to high-Er end AFTER"

 

[Markuson]

I couldn't agree with you more. I can't count the number of time I have made that mistake and has ended up being 3-4 upgrades for what i coulda just bought once. Computers, cameras, bikes and sliders...same concept applies to all. I'm sure BP-51 suspension would have also embraced this concept too but for me it was just too far$$$ outta range right now. We'll see in a few years if i end upp "upgrading to high-Er end AFTER"

Ya... Sometimes cost is just too high.
There’s definitely such a thing as wasting $ on over-buying. That mistake can keep someone from affording something else they need more. I’ve been guilty of that sometimes & it’s always tricky to balance.

For me, I’d rather wait and get what I really want with each incremental step.

My budget is not huge. I have to save for stuff. But it means I have time to plan and figure stuff out.

Anyway...enjoy the build!! am super happy with the direction of mine.

 

[DPA200]

Ya... Sometimes cost is just too high.
There’s definitely such a thing as wasting $ on over-buying. That mistake can keep someone from affording something else they need more. I’ve been guilty of that sometimes & it’s always tricky to balance.

For me, I’d rather wait and get what I really want with each incremental step.

My budget is not huge. I have to save for stuff. But it means I have time to plan and figure stuff out.

Anyway...enjoy the build!! am super happy with the direction of mine.

Thanks! Tough dog suspension is en route and BudBuilt sliders shipping today or tomorrow. I am very excited. Yeah for me right now if i spent all my budget (and then some...more like double my budget) on suspension it would be a loooong time before armor would be possible. I really wanted to be able to do suspension and sliders....with some skids soonish after. So thats where i based my decision on. We are going to Moab this summer too so necessary upgrades before that trip. Thanks for the feedback on the process! I'll post up pics once i get everything

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

So many options indeed. Well, thank you all for the very helpful opinions and feedback. I finally came to a decision today. I had it narrowed down to White Knuckle or BudBuilt as of yesterday. I'm heading to Moab this summer so lead time was starting to become an issue as most of the option were 4-12 weeks out. I called BudBuilt this morning and lucked out. Turns out they had an order for exactly the configuration I was looking for that the customer who ordered had changed his mind on at the last minute. 1 lucky set for me In stock ready to ship (instead of 9-10 week lead time). I went ahead and jumped on it figured it must be fate. I was inspired by @Taco2Cruiser opinion on them and had never noticed that the mounting plate goes the entire length which is pretty awesome for strength. The way I figure is that my kids are young now and my wheeling currently may be fairly tame but it has been increasing slowly steadily. I'd rather buy something that may be a bit overkill strength and know that in the future I will be set for whatever i can throw at it. here is what i ordered today:

• BudBuilt step sliders (flat)
• .120 DOM (better "dent resistant" metal process as compared to HREW)
• Full diamond plate (for kids and grandma)
• bare metal no paint (I figured easier to touch up if i just do Rustoleum myself. Bud said he's been using the hammered finish version lately)

I'll post pics once i get them. @Taco2Cruiser any tips for install? I know you said the KDSS line was the hard part

Glad you got a set quick. I’m actually packing to head up there in a couple hours. I have some ideas I want to play with, and I can have fun in the shop over the weekend.

So I’ll see your set before they head out.

So for the KDSS line, @4gotalot said it the best. Adjust, check clearance, apply more pressure on slider to slowly push it in place, stop. Then repeat. Take your time, don’t get frustrated. If you do, take a break.

This is really for everything vehicle wise, not just sliders.

One thing I did on my Slee sliders and later on my BudBuilt sliders was I installed the passenger side first. Because it was earlier, and you tend to do things better the second time. Also... and bear with me on this...

The KDSS lines are not something you want to pry on. Okay, now that I said that. Once you take off as many bolts that hold the KDSS lines onto the driver side frame as you can, the lines have a lot of play. BUT always, always make sure you are NOT pulling too hard and check to ensure you keep some loose play in the lines. Especially if you’ve removed all the bolts other than than where the lines fit into the cylinders.

Okay, now the “hear me out part.” The KDSS lines are unbolted and loose, the passenger slider is already on. So you got to slide this 80 pound piece of ‘Mercia! Between the frame and the KDSS lines. I used some string, and tied the lines, and ran the line away from the frame, up and into the cab, and tied them off the other slider.

I took my time, very little pressure on the lines. Really all it does is allows you to not have the lines in your way, and not having someone’s hands/arms that are trying to help you by hold the lines also in the way.

With the lines gently out of the way (have I mentioned to be gentle?) the slider “slides” up against the frame much, much easier.

That and a floor jack and a friend and it’s not bad at all.

That string method also helps clear the KDSS line for the front Slee sliders. So it’s more of a universal slider help if any of these have frame plates that have to go between the frame and KDSS lines.

Honestly, if a slider doesn’t at least attach to the frame at the area right behind the body mount behind the front tire. Which is where the lines are anyway, then I really question that sliders function. I’m pretty sure all the available slider do though. It’s just more significant to move the lines with BudBuilts, as the frame plates takes no breaks down the frame rail.


This is just for other that are researching sliders in the future.
The rear of BB sliders legs are triangulated. All sliders legs are flat and in a line. But Buds are staggered high and low to make a triangle. Image how much weaker a flat roof is versus a triangle shaped roof. The rear is where your going to hit hard, drag hard, and push hard if your in the big rocks. So deflection is a big deal. And 8,000 pounds with 400 lb ft of torque and a 2.7:1 low range is not going to stop. So make sure the slider is ready to take the abuse.

 

[DPA200]

Glad you got a set quick. I’m actually packing to head up there in a couple hours. I have some ideas I want to play with, and I can have fun in the shop over the weekend.

So I’ll see your set before they head out.

So for the KDSS line, @4gotalot said it the best. Adjust, check clearance, apply more pressure on slider to slowly push it in place, stop. Then repeat. Take your time, don’t get frustrated. If you do, take a break.

This is really for everything vehicle wise, not just sliders.

One thing I did on my Slee sliders and later on my BudBuilt sliders was I installed the passenger side first. Because it was earlier, and you tend to do things better the second time. Also... and bear with me on this...

The KDSS lines are not something you want to pry on. Okay, now that I said that. Once you take off as many bolts that hold the KDSS lines onto the driver side frame as you can, the lines have a lot of play. BUT always, always make sure you are NOT pulling too hard and check to ensure you keep some loose play in the lines. Especially if you’ve removed all the bolts other than than where the lines fit into the cylinders.

Okay, now the “hear me out part.” The KDSS lines are unbolted and loose, the passenger slider is already on. So you got to slide this 80 pound piece of ‘Mercia! Between the frame and the KDSS lines. I used some string, and tied the lines, and ran the line away from the frame, up and into the cab, and tied them off the other slider.

I took my time, very little pressure on the lines. Really all it does is allows you to not have the lines in your way, and not having someone’s hands/arms that are trying to help you by hold the lines also in the way.

With the lines gently out of the way (have I mentioned to be gentle?) the slider “slides” up against the frame much, much easier.

That and a floor jack and a friend and it’s not bad at all.

That string method also helps clear the KDSS line for the front Slee sliders. So it’s more of a universal slider help if any of these have frame plates that have to go between the frame and KDSS lines.

Honestly, if a slider doesn’t at least attach to the frame at the area right behind the body mount behind the front tire. Which is where the lines are anyway, then I really question that sliders function. I’m pretty sure all the available slider do though. It’s just more significant to move the lines with BudBuilts, as the frame plates takes no breaks down the frame rail.


This is just for other that are researching sliders in the future.
The rear of BB sliders legs are triangulated. All sliders legs are flat and in a line. But Buds are staggered high and low to make a triangle. Image how much weaker a flat roof is versus a triangle shaped roof. The rear is where your going to hit hard, drag hard, and push hard if your in the big rocks. So deflection is a big deal. And 8,000 pounds with 400 lb ft of torque and a 2.7:1 low range is not going to stop. So make sure the slider is ready to take the abuse.

HUGE HELP!!!! I'll follow your words of wisdom to the T. If my sliders are still unpacked when you get to Bud today take a couple pics and post them. Can't wait

 

[jacentito]

My BudBuilts are at the powder coat stage and then should be shipped to Jax shortly. Looking forward to ridding myself of the inadequate factory steps. BB has been great to work with and communicate.

 

[DPA200]

My BudBuilts are at the powder coat stage and then should be shipped to Jax shortly. Looking forward to ridding myself of the inadequate factory steps. BB has been great to work with and communicate.

I second the notion about Bud. Great to work with and great communication. Cool to be making with such pride in American steel and craftsmanship.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

Chip showed me your guys sliders.

@jacentito there is yours on the left. Chip wants to do the final inspection. (There is now 3 guys that look over products before they go out) then it will go to powder.

@DPA200 there is your on the right. Again Chip does final inspection, then he will box it up and ship it out.

So they make a ton of stuff every week, and that’s why going through inspections adds a week. It’s not like anyone has the eye for this, and so that’s why Bud turns away sooooo many potential welders. But that increases lead time. This pile is just this week, and it’s only half of this week to give an idea of how much they do.

Then there’s my other fun.

 

[DPA200]

Chip showed me your guys sliders.
View attachment 1687619

@jacentito there is yours on the left. Chip wants to do the final inspection. (There is now 3 guys that look over products before they go out) then it will go to powder.

@DPA200 there is your on the right. Again Chip does final inspection, then he will box it up and ship it out.

So they make a ton of stuff every week, and that’s why going through inspections adds a week. It’s not like anyone has the eye for this, and so that’s why Bud turns away sooooo many potential welders. But that increases lead time. This pile is just this week, and it’s only half of this week to give an idea of how much they do.
View attachment 1687621

Then there’s my other fun.
View attachment 1687620

Oh man that's awesome!!! Thanks so much for sharing @Taco2Cruiser I can't wait! Those look robust is a serious understatement

 

[jacentito]

Thank you for the great pictures. I really appreciate it. Looking good and cant wait to install. I need to make it up to Savannah soon, I will give you a holler and we can get a drink of your choice

 

[marketShark]

@DPA200 If you're still looking, I came across this post in the MUD vendor section:

Hey MUD members, for a limited time we are offering a 10% discount to you in appreciation of your continued support. Come check out our new website and get your 10% discount by using coupon code "mudmember18" at checkout. Thanks! www.white-knuckleoffroad.com

EDIT: saw your post regarding the slider purchase from BudBuilt. Posted here to help anyone else looking for a discount code, etc.

 

[DPA200]

@DPA200 If you're still looking, I came across this post in the MUD vendor section:




EDIT: saw your post regarding the slider purchase from BudBuilt. Posted here to help anyone else looking for a discount code, etc.

Thanks for the tip, hopefully, somebody takes them up on that. I just finished painting my BudBuilts, hoping to get installed this weekend

 

[gaijin]

Man, those look STOUT!

 

[T4Runner]

For reference, which BudBuilt sliders in particular are those?

 

[DPA200]

Man, those look STOUT!

yeah Bud is not joking around when it comes to armor. Seriously stout!. My poor wife had to drag the boxes into our house, they arrived when i was outta town. 80lb a piece. even the hardware is no joke, you should see how much this little USPS priority boxed with hardware only weighed.

 

[DPA200]

For reference, which BudBuilt sliders in particular are those?

2008-2018 LAND CRUISER STEP SLIDERS, .120 DOM, full diamond plate

 

[jacentito]

Mine arrived today. Installing this weekend . Damn, these are stout!

 

[DPA200]

A few pics of the sliders out on the trail this am. Couldn’t find anything to bash them on this route but I’m sure I will when I make It to Moab

 

[DPA200]

Mine arrived today. Installing this weekend . Damn, these are stout! View attachment 1713480

How’d the install go?

 

[Jbriones]

Good info here. Fuel wheels get delivered this week... Next is sliders!!

I'm in the same boat as a few - priority is a step out for the kids!! So far my 4 year old has fallen out three times in a month :/... My boys are better about it..

I like the bud built - diamond plate... curious as to the width of the step with the kicker/kickout? Trying to guage how much additional step you get vs. OEM POS

Any other width info on other brands? Post any pics with brand and a tape measure?

Much appreciated Gents...